Te Whare Pūoro
Our vision for music at Thorndon School is to foster joyful participation for every child, enabling our tamariki to express themselves confidently through music and dance.
Our Programmes
We are delighted to welcome our tamariki back to the music spaces as our school-wide programme begins in Week 2. 2026.
Our students will be taught by Susie Hardie, Priya Gain, and Rawiri Hindle. Our new music curriculum is designed to bring the philosophy of "tākaro mai!" (let us play!) to life through toi pūoro (music, dance, and the performing arts).
As students explore music/pūoro, dance/kanikani, and the
rhythms of language/reo, they will be supported to build a lifelong love of the arts while celebrating our unique place
in Aotearoa and our connection to Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, the Pacific.
An Overview of the Toi Pūoro, Music and Dance, Programme
Tūī with Priya on Fridays
Our youngest students will experience foundational music learning through an Orff-inspired programme. The Orff approach weaves together music, dance, and language through active musical play. Students will experience dancing and rhythmic movement activities, singing games, embodied listening activities, improvising with musical language pieces, and playing on untuned and tuned percussion instruments.
Kererū with Susie on Tuesdays
As students progress, they transition into a Kodály-based programme where they develop strong aural skills and musical literacy through engaging folk songs and games.
Kākāpō with Rawiri on Thursdays
For our middle school, the focus shifts toward hauora (well-being) through Ngā Toi and Ngā Mahi a Te Rēhia. Students will connect with their identity through waiata, kanikani, and pūrākau, ensuring that learning supports their physical, mental, and spiritual growth.
Kea with Priya on Wednesdays
In our senior school, students will engage in an Orff inspired music programme centered on ensemble playing on tuned percussion (marimba and xylophones), rhythmic body percussion work, and a range of creative musical projects.
There is a focus with this age group on supporting joyful participation in collective music making. Students will build confidence with performing, improvising, and developing musical material through creative learning processes.
Additional Music Ensemble Opportunities with Susie Hardie on Mondays
Beyond the classroom, we are excited to offer several extracurricular groups to further develop our students' talents. If your child is interested in joining one of our performance groups, please use the links below to apply.
Junior Choir / for students in Years 1–3
Kōkako Choir / for students in Years 4–6
Kea Choir / for students in Years 7–8
Apply for a Thorndon Choir
Senior orchestra:
Open to students in Years 5–8 who have been learning their instrument for at least one year.
Festival orchestra:
Open to students in Years 5–8 who have been learning their instrument for two or more years.
Apply to audition for the Thorndon orchestra
Rock Band:
Open to students in Years 6–8, All instrumentalists must be able to read music, chords, or tabs fluently.
Apply to audition for the Thorndon Rock Band